Nlrb Cites Unions At Coplay Cement Over Labor Practices

August 06, 1985|by DONALD BLOUNT, The Morning Call

The National Labor Relations Board has charged three local unions with "engaging in unfair labor practices" for "failing and refusing to bargain collectively" with Coplay Cement Co., according to an NLRB statement released by the company.

Charged by the NLRB were the international chapter and local lodges 14, D- 18, and D-388 of the Cement, Lime, Gypsum and Allied Workers' Division of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, which represents 275 Coplay Cement employees.

In a statement, the NLRB said the union has "failed and refused to meet and negotiate further with (Coplay Cement) for a new collective bargaining agreement" since April 5 although the company "has been requesting to meet and negotiate further for a new agreement."

The old agreement between the company and the union expired April 30, 1984.

The NLRB has scheduled a hearing at 11 a.m. Oct. 8 in Northampton County Court to review the charges that have been brought against the union.

NLRB officials could not be reached last night for comment.

Joseph Gaffney, Coplay Cement vice president of industrial relations, said the company filed a complaint with the NLRB against the union and local affiliates because the union has not been making an effort to negotiate with the company.

He declined to comment on details of the negotiations but said company officials have tried to "meet with the union and bargain, but because of the union's reluctance to meet with the company, the charges were filed."

Gaffney said filing the complaint was not "a last resort" measure by the company to gain an agreement but "part of the negotiating process."

James Roth, president of local lodge D-18 said "they (negotiations) certainly haven't been going well," but refused further comment.

He said all other comments would have to be made Marvin Wright, union area coordinator. Wright could not be reached last night for comment.

Coplay Cement is a subsidiary of the Paris-based Societe des Ciments Francais and has plants in Nazareth, Egypt and Frederick, Md.